Ready to take the Polar Plunge

FAIRHAVEN — For eight years now, New Year's Day has meant one thing for a questionably sane group that thinks splashing around half naked in freezing cold water is a fun thing to do.

By MICHAEL MEDEIROS, Editor

FAIRHAVEN — For eight years now, New Year's Day has meant one thing for a questionably sane group that thinks splashing around half naked in freezing cold water is a fun thing to do.

Yup, come noon on January 1, it's Polar Plunge time at Fort Phoenix.

"I have a feeling it's going to be quite an event this year,"said Melinda Fitzgerald, a plunge organizer who helped start the event after the murder of co-worker and Fairhaven resident Nancy Schonheinz in November of 2000.

"Nancy was an extremely talented physical therapist who helped a lot of people," said Ms. Fitzgerald.

Robert Oliveira, Ms. Schonheinz's estranged boyfriend, was found guilty of her murder and sentenced to life in prison in 2002. In memory of her unnecessary loss, each year the plunge organizers donate $1,000 for a scholarship for a student studying physical therapy. This year, they will be donating an additional $1,000 to the Women's Center in New Bedford, which provides support and counseling for victims of domestic violence. The money will be used to buy gift cards for their clients.

The plunge itself is free, but money is raised by selling Polar Plunge t-shirts. This Friday, Dec. 28, between 5 and 7 p.m., the shirts will be sold at the Mashpee Building at Dartmouth Place on 49 State Road in North Dartmouth. The cost is $20 for adult long-sleeve t-shirts and $15 for children's sizes. Shirts will also be available on a first come/first served basis on the day of the plunge.

Many plungers return year after year to take part in the fun, but for those who have never participated before, Ms. Fitzgerald has a few words of advice.

"Wear something on your feet. Your feet spend more time in the water than anything else. And you might want to put some vaseline on your skin," she said, while adding with a chuckle "And wear a really good costume."

Though it's by no means a requirement, interesting costumes are among the reasons why the Polar Plunge is so much fun. Whether it's a mermaid running into the surf or a polar bear prowling the shoreline, there are always memorable outfits to be seen. Prizes will also be given out for the best, but Ms. Fitzgerald noted that there have been some changes in the prize categories for 2007.

"There won't be prizes for the oldest and youngest plungers this year," she said. "But there definitely will be prizes. All the categories haven't been decided yet, though."

Ms. Fitzgerald and fellow organizer Cheryl Langlais note that the event is somewhat ironic, since it was impossible to get Ms. Schonheinz into the water.

"She wouldn't even go into her parents' pool when it was 90 degrees out," said Ms. Fitzgerald, while Ms. Langlais added that she herself wasn't always so thrilled about hopping into the frigid January water. "Last year I was pregnant so i had a good excuse not to go in the water, this year I'll need to work on a new excuse. How about "you can't be a clown when your running the circus'?"

Plungers should also remember to bring towels, blankets and warm clothes for after the plunge, which begins promptly at noon (the late time is due to the fact that high tide is set for 2 p.m., which was considered too late to plunge). There will be some fires set up, as well as a tent, but it is uncertain yet if there will be food. One thing is certain, however. If you're looking for a unique way to get shaken awake for the new year, there may not be a better way than hopping into the Atlantic Ocean for a brief swim. As they say, everything's worth a try once. Could this be your year to try?